The tournament was born out of a conversation between the general manager of Olympia Stadium, Lincoln Cavalieri, Michigan Tech's legendary coach, John MacInnes, and Detroit Red Wings scout Jack Paterson. The three men were discussing the lack of American-born players in the National Hockey League and concluded that a prestigious collegiate tournament could make a difference by promoting interest in hockey among young athletes, as well as the general public. Jack Tompkins, American Airlines vice president, former University of Michigan goalie, and a member of the Detroit Red Wings organization, championed their vision as well, and together in 1965, they founded the Great Lakes Invitational hockey tournament.

The GLI has grown into one of the premier college and holiday sporting events in the country, originating at Detroit's Olympia Stadium. Michigan Tech, the host for the tournament since its inception, added Michigan as a co-host in 1976[citation needed] and moved into its present home, Joe Louis Arena, in 1979.

The 2012 edition of the invitational was originally scheduled to take place at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI on December 27–28. The cancellation of the 2013 NHL Winter Classic meant the NHL would not build the additional rink at Comerica Park, therefore the GLI was moved into Joe Louis Arena where it is traditionally played.[1] Because the lockout prevented 2012's guest, Western Michigan, from playing outdoors at Comerica Park as originally promised, they were invited again in 2013, when the GLI was finally held at Comerica. In a rematch from 2012's Championship game, Western defeated Michigan Tech 1–0 in overtime.